Giveaway Today:: Dickerson Designs

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED

I had the honor of meeting Janice from Dickerson Designs, through a purchase I made on Etsy. I bought a very cool pink wire wrapped ring. (for a great price to!!!) What a deal I thought. The silver balls and pink flowers, with lovely petal like beads captured my heart. Janice makes these with her leftover beads from her bead store, and let me tell you the pictures do no justice. They are so beautiful in person.

Her creativity is amazing. No detail is left out, and every piece is beautiful and original in their own way. Janice has been kind enough to GIVEAWAY 3 of her wire wrapped rings to 3 different sew-fantastic readers. You will get your choice to, how neat is that. So want to know how to get your very own original wire wrapped ring???

Go check out Janice's store Dickerson Design, then come back here and tell us what ring you wouls love to sport on your finger. I just love the orange, but the pink with silver balls is way cool to. So what is your favorite?? She also make earings!!!

Want Extra entries????

2 Extra entries for following this blog (please let us know you are a follower)

3 extra entries for blogging this giveaway or Tweeting Us. Please leave the link in a separate comment for reference

5 extra entries for EACH purchase you make over at Dickerson Designs

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!
This contest will end May 6 Wednesday~ Tell all your friends and get tons of entries. I am telling you these things are cute. you won't want just one!!

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED

THANK YOU

Tutorial :: Fabric Scrap Bracelets

Fabric Beaded Bracelets::Tutorial

Supplies needed:: (12) 12mm wooden beads

1 piece of fabric 20 inches x 2.5 inches

Silver metal split rings small

(another option for rings is embroidery floss)

Large safety pin

Start by putting right sides of fabric together lengthwise. Sew a 1/4 inch seam all the way down the 20 inch piece of fabric. You may re-enforce this with another stitch if you would like, but it's not necessary.


with a safety pin, attach it to the inside of the fabric tube. This will help you thread the fabric through the tube. Scrunch onto the safety pin and pull off. This will make the fabric tube show the right side of the fabric.


After you have your fabric tube right side out.
Tie a knot about 3 inches from one end of the tube, and cut the other end at an angle. The sharp end of the angle should be right on the seam of the fabric tube.

Start by stringing your split rings and 12mm wooden beads. The beads are put inside the tube, while the split rings are threaded around the outside of the tube. After you have strung 12 beads you should have the length needed for your bracelet. If you need it longer, string a few more beads.

Tie the end off in a tight secure knot. Getting as close to the last bead as possible.

After you have closed off both ends, tie the ends of the bracelet into another secure knot to close up the bracelet.

That's it!! You can tie the middle also with floss if you wish. I choose to use the split ring because I was making them for my daughter. Not only is it shiny, but it hold a lot more securely as well. I hope everyone enjoys making these. All it really takes is some scraps!!

All Paired Up

Everyone has been sent a swap partner for the kitchen swap 2009. Any questions for your partner please email them directly.

Any questions about the swap please email me at sewfantasticblog@yahoo.com. I am super excited to be hosting this swap, please make sure you stay in contact with your partner as well us, Sew-Fantastic to keep us informed on your shipping dates. We are hoping to be able to confirm all packages received. Also there is a flicker group set up here for everyone to share pictures of their kitchens, or pictures of what they receive from their partner. Just please do not post pictures of what you have sent until your partner has received it. It would spoil the surprise.

YAY!! it's on HAPPY SWAPPING!

Just wanted to share

Ha ha ha mommy, you're so funny. As my little Sophia approaches her first birthday next friday, we have spent a lot of time outside in the beautiful weather. This was the day we had a goldfish picnic in the backyard. Her expression is priceless. See we had a great time.

Just a heads up, I have a free tutorial coming as well as a giveaway... man have I been busy!!

Entries in the Kitchen Swap 2009 Complete.

Here are the ENTRIES!!

If you thought you had signed up but do not see your name here, please email me right away at sewfantasticblog@yahoo.com. We will get you entered. If I do not hear from those people by Monday the 27th of April, I am sorry but I will no longer be able to enter you into the swap.

So now for the fun stuff.....

A few of you are trading two boxes, Swapping Internationally, and everyone is excited!! We have entries from USA, Australia, Germany, South Africa, and more. Please note that if you had specified that you do not want to swap internationally or that you will if needed. You will be paired with someone within your country only. This option was only given just to broaden our horizons. Some people like the flexibility.

Here are the entries::

Elizabeth McMahon
Rhonda Bier
Peta-Jane Cogdell
Jenelle Fitzpatrick
Nann Phoenixx-Dawn
Kaye Bartolotti
Sarah Costa
Robin Sessoms
Sara Brockunier
Adrienne Scruggs
Paula Ford
Sarah Sturtevant
Tammy Rose

Melissa Antolovic

Suzi King

Jennie Schauer
Melissa Doddridge
Heather Wagner
HOLLY KJERULFF
Nova Flitter
Mary Grace McNamara
Miya Sohoza
Ngaire Brown
TAMI CLABAUGH
Lori Krause
Gina Koston
Nan Sieck
Elizabeth Kelly
Sophie Cole
Terri Harlan
lee-Anne hyslop
Angela Hansen
Jennifer S. Mueller
Mindy Choate
Jennifer Collins
Leah Distefano
Gina Cooper
KIMBERLY MAILLIARD
Debbie Daily

Pam Brock

Please email me if you are not here and you should be. I am very excited about the turnout for this swap. Just please remember the dates for boxes to go out. Info will be sent with partners to your email given, and then posted as well.

Kitchen Swap Sign-ups closed :: Return your applications please

I am sorry to inform everyone that I have to close this a tiny bit early. We currently have almost 40 entries for the swap and still have some that were not yet returned. This being my first swap, It has already been a lot of work.

If you have been sent an application to enter you may still send it back to join. Everyone is super excited about the Kitchen swap, and we have now also included a flicker group where people can share ideas, as well as pictures from what they receive.

If you have any questions regarding the swap at anytime, please email me at sewfantasticblog@yahoo.com I will try to answer them as soon as possible.
Partners will be emailed to you no later then April 30th. Thank you to everyone who entered. Now lets do some swapping!!

I will be adding a list of name as soon as the applications finish coming in. If you have not yet grabbed this cool button that christina made for your blog page, please do. That's what she made it for.

Wednesday Featured Crafter Segment:: Codi Gauci

Hello. My name is Codi. I'm 23, and I've been crafty since forever. I grew up loving to crochet, I learned in 4-H, and would make beanies, scarves, baby blankets, anything I could think of. When my husband bought me a sewing machine I began teaching myself to quilt, and badly at first. Now I have a much larger space, a generous fabric stash, and some room to grow. I make quilts, aprons, purses, and whatever else looks like fun. I love the process, working with fabric is soothing. Well, except for the ironing when I've prewashed a load of fabrics. I do not recommend trying to iron a load of yardage, you will be done for a week.



Where can we find Codi::
http://www.deathbydenim.artfire.com/
http://www.deathbydenim.blogspot.com/

The Q and the A::

SF:: How would you explain your type of Art?

CG:: I make what I would like to use, bright colors, bold prints, silly prints that are just fantstic in the "how will I ever use this" kind of way. I like to make things that are fun, sometimes silly. but functional and useable.

SF:: How are you crafting "GREEN"?

CG:: I am recycling always in my sewing room, any packaging that can't be reused is put into recycle. I save my scraps and use them, in loosly organised scrap drawers. I am looking for ways to reuse or repurpose clothing, and I've found a few fun things to do with old jeans that way. I have also recently acquired a treadle, which I am fixing up to be able sew with out electricity! I'm really excited about treadling, and being people-powered.


SF:: What makes your Art stand out?

CG:: It varies. Sometimes I will find a fabric, and need to use it for something. When I get an idea for something I've never tried before, it usually involves measuring 5 times, cutting and sewing, only to measure some more and try it again. Math is not my Forte. I love to just play with the fabric, so it doesn't bother me when somethings not right. That just means I get to do it again, or try it differently. I keep the wonky trials for myself, they're special to me, because I got to play.

SF:: What is your focus right now?

CG:: Mainly items I can list in my studio. I've been playing with earrings, which is new for me, and a bunch of keychains. The Keychains are really fun, and I really like that they come together so quickly. I want to start making journal covers once I have the keychains figured out.
I am also learning about being a seller, taking good pictures of my products, and getting my name out where people can see it. Its interesting when I try to price my items, I know what the materials cost, and the time spent, but will it sell at a profit? Things like that, that I think will come in time, are slowly coming in on the radar. I'm learning more all the time.


Thank you Codi for taking some time out for us here at Sew Fantastic. We look forward to many more new things to come from you and your crafts. Good luck on your trip to Europe next month as well. We all wish you a fun safe trip.

If you would like to be fetaured in a crafters segment here on Sew Fantastic. Please feel free to send me an Email sewfantasticblog@yahoo.com.

Sunday Stash - Good-ness

I am so in love with Argyle, it seems to be extremely hard to find. I found some over at Good-ness for 40% off a few weeks ago. Right from Japan this beautiful package came to me. All wrapped up like a present to. It makes me sad that she is closing her shop,but you can still go check out what she has left. It's all 50% off now.

Kitchen Swap 2009:: Sign-ups open

SIGN UPS ARE NOW CLOSED

THANK YOU

First of all, Thank you to Christina for making this beautiful button for this event. We have opened sign-ups for out first SWAP here at Sew Fantastic.

Swap will open to everyone with an option of choosing International trades or Local U.S. Trades. Packages will consist of a minimum of 3 kitchen related items. More is ok , and welcomed. An email will be sent to every participant on preferred colors or themes, and then a partner will be chosen for you based on your options chosen.

Sign Ups will be open until Friday, April 24th. I will email you with your partners Information, no later then April 30th.

Packages must be mailed to your swap partners by May 31st. So you have a whole month to make something beautiful, or find something cool on Etsy.

If you would like to participate please leave a comment here with your email Info, I will email you back the contact sheet to enroll in the Swap.
Please make sure that if you are partnered up with someone, that you follow through. It would be a shame for someone not to get something wonderful in the mail for their kitchen.

Item may include, but not limited to::

Towels, Potholders, Trivets, Utensils, wall decor, napkins, Vintage, dishes,

whatever your creative little brain can come up with. Please have fun with it.

More information will be attached to your email if you are interested please leave a comment here, or email me. at sewfantasticblog@yahoo.com

OK EVERYONE :: LET'S SWAP

Here is the Button for participants to add to there blogs

My New Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116

Fresh, right out of the box. My brand new machine, or what I like to call my new "WORKHORSE". I forgot to mention that they threw a great deal at me the other day when I looked at this machine.

The lady that helped me today was a very kind woman. She offered me a deal I could not refuse. I got an acrylic sew steady table in my size choice, FOR FREE. The taxes paid on my purchase, ALSO FREE. FREE LESSONS...... 10 year warranty!!!

A Free 1/4th inch foot attachment (32 dollar value) a Sample of Medera thread in white. And some other small items.

The table fits beautifully. I sewed my first stitch after letting my husband do the honors of plugging it in, after all he did buy it for me. Then I just stared at how beautiful it was. Makes you really understand why men get so excited about their toys.


I will love this machine, I can already tell. I had a HUGE smile on my face today when my sales lady (who calls herself, the Viking snob) says to me
"Welcome to the Viking Family"

De-Stash Scraps Listed now::

As promised I have gone through and organized the packages to be listed. They are pretty large scraps this time. It's first come first serve. I can also take some requests for color but still cannot guarantee it. I promised I would let you all know first so go check out the shop and get them before they are gone.

P.S. I got my new machine today, I will share later.

I am also putting together a SWAP so stay tuned.

In need of a workhorse

After months now of saving my money for a new sewing machine, I received that call from the husband that everyone looks forward to. Last night my husband tells me, I want to buy you a new machine. "WOW, REALLY". He wasn't kidding. After listening to countless curse words, and vocal frustration, he wanted to replace my dreadful headache with a shiney new love.

So Sophia and I went out today looking for a new machine. Now I am still saving for that big beautiful machine later, but for now I need a workhorse. Something I can use for four or more hours a day, cutting through layers and layers of fabric, and taking my abuse. I walk into the dealer today and tell her how much sewing I do, how often I do it, and what I will be sewing. She directs me to the Emerald 116. A basic Viking model, and what she called, "The Workhorse". Perfect that is just what I needed. I looked at the model above it, and a few above that, but came right back to this beautiful machine that would end all my misery.

I did not buy it yet, I wanted to go online and read some reviews, check prices yadda yadda. You know. This lady is paying the taxes for me, Throwing in a FREE extension table, as well as price match. Of course I am sure I will not find that kind of a deal anywhere. I am so exited, I will post pictures when we go get it.

What kind of machine is your "workhorse"?

JP Morgan Chase buys out Wamu

For those of you that don't know, I used to work in the lending field myself. I watched the market crumble as companies tried to compete with better mortgage products. Watching rates climb higher and higher, fees growing bigger, and people (our customers) being taken advantage of. I worked for what the mortgage industry called sub-prime . To me this meant the people who didn't necessarily have a down payment or huge assets. These loans where for the everyday person that always dreamed of owning their own home, but never could quite reach that goal. For whatever reason. I won't go into detail even though I could say so much. I also know that it is a touchy subject with some people.

I chose to resign when I saw the market become something no longer working for the people. The same products I sold, were being used against borrowers for a few extra bucks to a bank. The point to this story is to explain this. I woke up one morning and heard that Washington Mutual, whom I bank with. Had been taken over by Chase banking. Now it's still a work in progress, but my first trip into the bank as they remodeled the branch I use. It felt cold and drafty. Men were lined up in heavy business suits, and deep voices. The workers at the counter were the same, but everyone else had changed. The greediness of a handful of people had affected my own life as well as many others.

I remember the morning I woke up and heard the news of my bank, wondering if I could take all my money out that day, thinking that I would lose it if I didn't. Despite all this nonsense, the employees stress that this is a positive change for them, so I am giving them the benefit of the doubt. This economy has made all of us pinch our pennies, question our lenders, and loose our favorite small busineses. I hope that the changes being made, all turn out positive in some way, if not just to wake us up to reality and make us see the small stuff again. I hope that when the economy does come around, we will all have a fondness for our fellow people, as well as trust within our businesses.

**note:: If anyone would like to share a remark please keep it non- offensive. I would love to hear stories, however this article is not here to offend anyone, I am not responsible on how some individuals may interpret this article . I also aplogize that this is not craft related. I just felt that I wanted to share.

Wednesday's Featured Crafter Segment.

Featured Crafter :: Linda Bylsma from Fiber Fabrications

Fleece on Earth, Good Wool to Men.

We had the chance to pick the brain of Linda Bylsma, of alpacalady.etsy.com . Linda is a 59 year old Alpaca breeder in Nooksack Washington. After 30 years in the corporate world, Linda retired and now has a great life on her farm. "Now I have the chance to do all the things I ever wanted", she says. "sewing, quilting, spinning, dying fibers, weaving, gardening, floral, and much much more".

Linda runs a beautiful Etsy shop with all her handmade loveliness. You can purchase her wonderful items here.

http://fiberfabrications.blogspot.com/

http://www.lostriveralpacas.blogspot.com/

http://www.lostriveralpacas.com/

(Q) How would you Explain your type of art Linda?

(A) Fiber Fabrications! I do anything that involves fiber, be it fabric and quilting or sewing, yarn, or raw fiber from my alpacas.

(Q) What Inspires you to have new ideas or designs?

(A) I seem to see inspiration everywhere I go. Nature is the most inspirational to me, but also a row of tractor wheels, or a box of nuts and bolts. I don't use patterns, such as for quilts. I might pick up an idea, but then branch from there doing it my own way

(Q) What makes your Art stand out from others?
(A) I design with texture and color. Solid colors bore me. I let the yarns and fabrics speak for themselves.

(Q) What does the word "HANDMADE" mean to you as a crafter?

(A) A gift from the soul. Something with thought, and love put into it, with every detail.

Thank you Linda for Interviewing with our readers here at Sew-fantastic. If you would like to learn more about Linda and what she is all about, visit one of her links at the top of the page.

If you would like to be featured in a featured Crafter Interview please email me at Terriharlan@rocketmail.com for details.

Bliss Forest Giveaway Winner.

The winner has been chosen........ Your choice for adoption is waiting....... There were 70 Entries for this giveaway. I wanted to say a quick thank you to all of you that took the time to check out Bliss Forest even though it was Spring Break. I hope that some of you got a chance to order one for Easter, and if you didn't it's not to late to get one now here.

These Buh-nees are still needing a good home.

Tonight's Lucky Winner is..........

Number 63 was Needled Mom

Congratulation to you Please email me at terriharlan@rocketmail.com with your email to send on over for adoption of you new little lovie.

Thank you to everyone who entered, new giveaway coming soon it's a good one to. As always.

These are a few of my favorite things. and 2 GIVEAWAYS!!!

I wanted to share my latest Etsy purchase with all of you. The story is true when they say get it when you see it, or tomorrow it will be gone. I added one of these button bouquets to my favorites the other day, actually just to make sure there wasn't something else I wanted from her store. When I got time to go back, someone had bought it already. I was devastated!! I emailed the store owner Mariiam right away to see if by chance she could make me another one similar.

And you know what, she did! What an angel.
This button bouquet now rests in my bathroom and brings so much color to my day. I absolutely love it. It was inexpensive, but so beautiful at the same time. Go get one here for yourself.

Another favorite of mine, do you remember my new coffee sleeve I brought to the bazaar?

Well Christina over at the Sometimes Crafter is doing a GIVEAWAY for one right now!! It's my orange obsession. I just love it, and everyone else is so jealous, I think that is why I love it that much more. HURRY GIVEAWAY ENDS TOMORROW!!! Go check out her new ones here.

And also Don't forget the Giveaway for these cute EASTER bunnies ends tomorrow to get all your friends to enter. I know I Know it's SPRING BREAK! Well it only takes a minute to leave a comment and win a great prize. Enter here before it's to late.

Our Features Crafter Segment Also starts this Wednesday. If you had me send you an application already, please email it back as soon as possible. If you would like to be a featured crafter please email me at terriharlan@rocketmail.com.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Friday's Loyal Commenter Award

Carla Finley

Carla is our winner this week for the loyal commenter award. She is a mother to 2 beautiful girls, and 3 beautiful grandchildren and another one due this month. Carla now resides in Venice, Florida with her husband Michael.

Carla Loves photography, quilting, nature, and karaoke. I bet if you asked her she might even belt out a tune for ya. (just kidding Carla) Carla frequents my blog quite often, although I don't get a lot of time to comment her beautiful photography, I do enjoy it very much. She is always helpful to me when I have questions or ideas on my blog and is always eager to share her opinions. I love that about her.
Go check out her nature photos, she has an eye for beauty all around her. Or stop by to check out her sidebar with over 100 FREE pattern links.

Please take a minute to make a new friend over at Carla's Blog. Leave her some Congratulations on her new Grand baby coming this month, or let her know what you like about her blog. Thank you Carla for all your wonderful comments. Please display your award proudly.

EASTER GIVEAWAY From Bliss Forest

COMMENT ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THIS DRAWING

I was lucky enough to meet a wonderful Etsian a few months ago, named Aly. Aly keeps after all the creatures in Bliss forest. From the high flying Easter bunnies to the little guys on Gnome way. Each creature is mad with love and awaiting adoption here in her lovely Etsy store.

Aly was kind enough to donate a choice of easter bunny to one lucky sew-fantastic Reader.

How cool it that!!! I bought one for Sophia and she loved it.

They are each handcrafted by Aly herself, with soft fuzzy fleece and are washable.

I just cannot get over how cute the nee-jah bunny is.

So here is what you have to do to win! Go visit Aly over at Bliss Forest, then come back here and tell us what you love about her store. That will get you one Entry.


Want Extra entries????

2 Extra entries for following this blog (please let us know you are a follower)

3 extra entries for blogging this giveaway . Please leave the link in a separate comment for reference

6 extra entries for EACH Adoption you make over at Bliss Forest (make sure you tell her sew-fantastic sent you. Then leave another comment saying you adopted a buh-nee.)


GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!
This contest will end April 5th on Sunday Tell all your friend and get tons of entries. I am telling you these things are cute. you won't want just one!!



COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THIS DRAWING